I got to finally enjoy my scooter today. It's a lot of fun, and I'm finally getting the hang of the center stand (haven't tried the kick starter yet though).
I notice that I seem to have a hard time not partially disengaging the clutch at speeds of 2-5 mph. I think I picked up this habit from when I used to ride a GS500, which tended to lug badly at anything below 7 or so mph. I'm not sure if it was just mine that was like that, though--probably.
How can I kill this habit? I know it's bad for the engine (causes it to overheat).
Also, are there any situations where it is appropriate to ride with the clutch partially engaged ("half in, half out"), if only for a few seconds (such as moving forward a few yards to a stop sign)? Or, is it always something to be avoided?
Extra question:
I notice that shifting is a bit "clunky" from 1st to 2nd gear, and 2nd to 1st. Is it just my Stella, or are they all like this? It feels like Neutral is its own "full click" between 1st and 2nd, and I seem to keep shifting into neutral when I want to remain in gear.
Overall my first few miles of riding were great fun. I like how the horn is loud enough to get a daydreaming driver's attention (unlike the comical duck quack of some small old bikes from yesteryear).
A bad habit + extra question
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- Goldfishpimp
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That was the first thing I noticed about my Stella and this advice was very helpful to me: Only go into 1st gear from a dead stop. If you have shifted into neutral and are coasting at only a few miles an hour, 2nd gear has enough pull to shift directly into. Other than that, it just took a little getting used to shifting from 1st, thru neutral and into 2nd... but now I don't even think about it."I notice that shifting is a bit "clunky" from 1st to 2nd gear, and 2nd to 1st. Is it just my Stella, or are they all like this? It feels like Neutral is its own "full click" between 1st and 2nd, and I seem to keep shifting into neutral when I want to remain in gear.
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As far as your clutch not fully disengaging ... it may just need to be adjusted. If you’re unfamiliar with that (you won't be for long)... your dealer should be able to quickly check and adjust for you.
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Thanks!Goldfishpimp wrote:That was the first thing I noticed about my Stella and this advice was very helpful to me: Only go into 1st gear from a dead stop. If you have shifted into neutral and are coasting at only a few miles an hour, 2nd gear has enough pull to shift directly into. Other than that, it just took a little getting used to shifting from 1st, thru neutral and into 2nd... but now I don't even think about it."I notice that shifting is a bit "clunky" from 1st to 2nd gear, and 2nd to 1st. Is it just my Stella, or are they all like this? It feels like Neutral is its own "full click" between 1st and 2nd, and I seem to keep shifting into neutral when I want to remain in gear.
"
It's actually not like that--it's that I subconsciously halfway pull in the clutch at slow speeds. I know I really shouldn't do this...I'm trying to stop, but it takes me a few seconds to even notice I'm doing it.As far as your clutch not fully disengaging ... it may just need to be adjusted. If you’re unfamiliar with that (you won't be for long)... your dealer should be able to quickly check and adjust for you.
- Goldfishpimp
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- BuddyRaton
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Spud wrote: It's actually not like that--it's that I subconsciously halfway pull in the clutch at slow speeds. I know I really shouldn't do this...I'm trying to stop, but it takes me a few seconds to even notice I'm doing it.
Then you just have to learn to stop that or learn how to pull and rebuild a clutch...which really isn't that bad.
Would you ride the clutch in a manual shift car? It's the same thing
Is it a 2T or 4T?
Yeah it's fine to creep forward sometimes but you don't want to "ride" the clutch. For one thing you will get it nice and hot as well as the gear lube or oil.
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www.teamscootertrash.com
'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
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Maybe not, but I'd rather learn the former than the latter. I'll make sure not to let it happen when I go out riding tomorrow.BuddyRaton wrote:Spud wrote: It's actually not like that--it's that I subconsciously halfway pull in the clutch at slow speeds. I know I really shouldn't do this...I'm trying to stop, but it takes me a few seconds to even notice I'm doing it.
Then you just have to learn to stop that or learn how to pull and rebuild a clutch...which really isn't that bad.
Of course not. I'll have to keep this in mind.Would you ride the clutch in a manual shift car? It's the same thing
4tIs it a 2T or 4T?